TODAY IN HISTORY / February 19

The Associated Press Published: February 19, 2013 1:00 PM

Today is Tuesday, Feb. 19, the 50th day of 2013. There are 315 days left in the year.

Today's Highlight in History:

On Feb. 19, 1963, the book "The Feminine Mystique" by Betty Friedan, credited with reviving American feminism, was first published by W.W. Norton & Co.

On this date:

In 1473, astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus was born in Torun, Poland.

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In 1803, Congress voted to accept Ohio's borders and constitution.

In 1878, Thomas Edison received a U.S. patent for "an improvement in phonograph or speaking machines."

In 1881, Kansas prohibited the manufacture and sale of alcoholic beverages.

In 1945, during World War II, some 30,000 U.S. Marines began landing on Iwo Jima, where they began a successful month-long battle to seize control of the island from Japanese forces.

In 1976, calling the issuing of Executive Order 9066 "a sad day in American history," President Gerald R. Ford issued a proclamation confirming that the order had been terminated with the formal cessation of hostilities of World War II.

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In 1997, Deng Xiaoping, the last of China's major Communist revolutionaries, died at age 92.

Ten years ago: An Iranian military plane carrying 275 members of the elite Revolutionary Guards crashed in southeastern Iran, killing all on board.

Five years ago: An ailing Fidel Castro resigned the Cuban presidency after nearly a half-century in power; his brother Raul was later named to succeed him.

One year ago: Three skiers were killed when an avalanche swept them about a quarter-mile down an out-of-bounds canyon at Stevens Pass, Wash., but a fourth skier caught up in the slide was saved by a safety device.